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What is
pyrethrin/pyrethroid what are they used for?
Pyrethrin is a
natural extract of the African chrysanthemum flower. There are
six individual chemicals pyrethrin I and II, cinevin I and II,
and jasmolin I and II, collectively known as pyrethrins.
Pyrethrins break
down quickly in the environment, especially when exposed to
natural sunlight.
They are
approved for use on both dogs & cats & can be found in many
shampoos, sprays, dusts, dips, spot-on flea & tick products &
household insecticides.
Pyrethroids are
manufactured chemicals which are similar to pyrethrins but are
more toxic to insects & mammals. They also last longer in the
environment. While pyrethrins are safe to use in cats, in the
correct dosage, pyrethroids are not safe due to the low
tolerance cats have towards them. The active ingredient of
pyrethroids is permethrin.
Both pyrethrins &
pyrethroids kill insects
by severely disrupting nerve function.
How do cats
become poisoned?
Poisoning is
usually the result of application of a spot-on product
containing pyrethrin or pyrethroid being used.
Pyrethrin
poisoning usually occurs when the cat is given a dose greater
than the recommended amount.
Pyrethroid
poisoning happens when the cat is inappropriately treated with a
product labelled for dogs. The problem is
even worse if the cat licks the product off, ingesting it along
the way.
Another possible
risk is if a flea/tick product containing pyrethroid is applied
to a dog, who then comes into close contact with a cat.
What are the
effects of pyrethrin & pyrethroid poisoning in cats?
How is
pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made
on a physical examination of the cat & a history of recent
exposure to insecticides.
How is
pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning treated?
Treatment will
depend on the severity of signs & is aimed at controlling
seizures & tremors & supportive care.
Diazepam (valium)
& Methocarbamol to control seizures or tremors.
Gas anaesthesia
may be necessary for refractory seizures.
Once the cat has
been stabilised it can be bathed it in lukewarm water, with
detergent to wash off the residual insecticide.
Intravenous fluids
to maintain hydration.
How can
pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning be avoided? -
Avoiding
products containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids.
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Reading labels
on packaging thoroughly.
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Follow the
manufacturers instructions to the letter. Never give more than
the dosage stated on the packet.
-
NEVER use a flea
or tick product for dogs on a cat.
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Avoid using over
the counter flea or tick products. Veterinarian prescribed
flea treatments are generally more effective & safer to use on
pets.
-
Speak to your
veterinarian & follow his/her recommendations for flea & tick
medications.
-
Carefully
monitor your cat after giving any flea/tick medications.
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Do not use any
flea/tick products on young, pregnant, lactating, old or sick
cats without veterinary advise.
-
If your cat
displays any symptoms of poisoning, seek veterinary attention
immediately.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian &
should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit.
The articles are provided for informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great care
has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot
guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any
doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.
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